Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has emphasised that erosion-resistant coastal infrastructure is crucial for Bangladesh’s long-term security and economic development.
“Building sustainable and safe coastal infrastructure is a demand of the time. It is imperative to protect coastal areas from climate-induced risks by using advanced construction materials, eco-friendly engineering, and climate-resilient design,” the minister said.
The Minister made these remarks as the chief guest at the Seminar on Corrosion-Resistant Coastal Infrastructure in Bangladesh and the ‘Unveiling of Project Management Training Manual (2nd Edition) & Certificate Awarding’ held today at the Institution of Engineers (IEB) auditorium in Dhaka.
The minister explained that the high population density in coastal regions is contributing to a range of environmental challenges. Agricultural land is shrinking, the number of fishermen is increasing, and issues such as overexploitation of coastal resources, water pollution, and destruction of mangrove forests persist.
He warned that rising sea levels are accelerating coastal erosion, allowing saline water to intrude into farmland, damaging crops, polluting marine ecosystems, and disrupting the ecological balance of the sea.
Calling for the maximum use of technology to combat coastal erosion, the minister announced that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is reviving its canal excavation programme.
“Over the next five years, 20,000 kilometres of rivers, canals, ponds, and reservoirs will be dug or re-excavated. In addition, 250 million trees will be planted, creating a green buffer zone across coastal areas,” he said.
The minister also stressed the urgent need for a Coastal Zone Management Rules framework and a Special Management Plan to protect the environment of coastal regions.
He called for laws to protect agricultural land in these areas, modernisation of the waste management system, and proper regulation of groundwater use. “At the very least, a coordinated integrated plan must be implemented for coastal areas, one that ensures the development of both the people living there and the natural environment.”
The seminar, organised on the occasion of IEB’s 78th founding anniversary, was chaired by Engineer Muhammad Shafiqul Islam Khokon, Chairman of IEB’s Civil Engineering Division.
